Obama hands out Presidential Medal of Freedom awards

Barbra Streisand and Willie Mays were among those awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the White House. Julie Noce reports.

▲ Hide Transcript

▶ View Transcript

US President Barack Obama awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, to a star-studded list of Americans for their accomplishments in public service, entertainment and sports.
Among them- singer and actress Barbra Streisand and filmmaker Steven Spielberg.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA SAYING:
"Steven's films are marked, most importantly, by a faith in our common humanity. The same faith in humanity that led him to create the Shoah foundation, and lend a voice to survivors of genocide around the world. His story has shaped America's stories, and his values have shaped our world."
Obama credited another medal recipient, baseball great Willie Mays, for his own success.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA SAYING:
"It's because of giants like Willie that someone like me could even think about running for president."
Singer James Taylor was also awarded the metal.
As was Gloria Estefan, Grammy Award-winning Cuban-American singer, and her husband Emilio Estefan, a producer and songwriter.